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Report claims Celtic working on deal to sign Premier League midfielder

31st August, 2016, 3:47 PM

By Harvey Byrne

Celtic are trying to complete the deadline-day signing of Everton midfielder James McCarthy, according to a report.

The Sun’s transfer blog claimed on Wednesday (12:37pm) that the Scottish giants are working on a loan deal for the 25-year-old.

The former Wigan midfielder was left out of the Toffees match day squad on Saturday when they suffered a 1-0 loss against Stoke, hinting that the Republic of Ireland could be heading for the exit door at the Merseyside club.

McCarthy moved to Everton in the summer of 2013 for a £13million fee.

He has starred in 116 encounters for the club during his three-year stay, but he has found himself fall down the club’s pecking order under new boss Ronald Koeman.

The Dutch manager has added midfielder Idrissa Gueye to his squad from relegated Aston Villa this summer, while he is also favouring the experienced Gareth Barry to start with Gueye and the talented Ross Barkley in the middle of the park.

McCarthy has played in three out of Everton’s four opening matches of the new campaign, but the versatile player was covering for the injured Seamus Coleman in a right wing-back role.

The Glasgow-born midfielder has four years left on his contract, but he could be set for a return to his hometown with Brendan Rodgers’ side if their move is successful.